Mechanical Engineering Major

The undergraduate major in Mechanical Engineering provides students with a solid foundation and the necessary skills to assume leadership roles in industry and government agencies. The major also offers a number of opportunities for students intending to continue their education in graduate school. Mechanical Engineering impacts society by developing innovative technologies through design and synthesis of mechanical components and systems. Mechanical engineers are recruited in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, power generation, environmental, electronics, bioengineering, agriculture, food processing, and consulting firms, among many others. Because of the variety of fields that are relevant to this profession, the undergraduate program covers a broad range of subjects including dynamics, materials, thermal/fluids, vibrations, controls, computer aided engineering, design and manufacturing. The innovative curriculum at UC Merced provides a rich educational experience that exposes students to engineering fundamentals, laboratory skills and advanced computational tools to solve realistic engineering problems.

The program also prepares students to pursue graduate work in engineering or other disciplines. Mechanical Engineering is an evolving discipline that adapts to the current needs of society. Some of the exciting current areas of research include advanced energy systems, sustainable energy, autonomous vehicles, biomechanics and biosensors, nano/micro-technology, computational modeling, design optimization and complex systems. The programs at UC Merced emphasize a highly interdisciplinary approach; thus the curriculum offers several technical electives in topics inside and outside the Mechanical Engineering program, and a culminating design experience.

Mechanical Engineering Program Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, our students demonstrate:

An ability to apply knowledge of informatics, mathematics, science, and engineering

An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data

An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability

An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams

An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems

An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

An ability to communicate effectively

The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context

A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in sound basis and motivation to engage in lifelong learning

A knowledge of contemporary issues;

An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering and scientific tools necessary for engineering practice.